Oyster Shell

[jdoane]

I have just moved a 7 month old pullet in with my 3 month pullets after quarantine. The 7 month old is laying and I had her on layer feed during the quarantine. But since the others are not - I have the whole little flock on a good local feed mills flock feed. I have oyster shell and egg shells available. Will the younger ones not eat those just because they don't need them. They were very curious about it when I put it out but I'm hoping that as the newness wears off they won't eat much of it. Is there anything different I should be doing?

 

[Kelsie2290]

You're doing pretty much what I do, and what it seems most people with mixed flocks do. The younger chicks maybe a little curious about the shell, but they should just leave it pretty much alone. Are you free feeding them otherwise? The only other reason I could really think of them eating it would be if they are hungry and that is what happens to be there.

 

[jdoane]

Yes free feeding during daylight hours. I bring in the feed at night.

 

[Going Quackers]

Usually they shouldn't, i keep oyster shell out for my duck flock and the young may do a try nibble but afterwards ignore it.